“DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS – Visions of Four Heroes” DLC Review by Nick Navarro
(NOTE: The beginning of this review is for the base game, which was originally posted last year. The DLC review will be at the bottom)
Stepping back into the world of “Dynasty Warriors” with “Origins” felt like a reunion with an old friend. It’s been years since my last foray into a mainline installment of the series, dating all the way back to the second and third games on the PS2. Those entries left a lasting impression with their ambitious blend of chaotic action plowing through hordes of enemies and historical drama. They quickly set the standard for what I came to expect from the franchise. Returning to the battlefields of the Three Kingdoms after all this time, I was eager to see how “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” would reimagine the formula while staying true to its roots.
The first thing that struck me was the sheer scale of the battles. “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” promises the most exhilarating action in the series’ history, and it doesn’t disappoint. The tension on the battlefield is palpable as wave after wave of enemies charges toward you. It’s an overwhelming spectacle, but one that feels empowering as you carve your way through seemingly endless hordes. The tactical elements shine here too; coordinating with allies and issuing commands to your troops adds a fun level of strategy that balances out the relentless hack-and-slash gameplay. This time around, the story takes an intriguing new approach. Instead of focusing on the larger-than-life historical figures that fans of the series know and love, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a nameless hero. This original protagonist offers a fresh perspective on the events of the Three Kingdoms, which allowed me to experience the rise and fall of dynasties in a more personal and grounded way. Producer Tomohiko Sho explained that this entry narrows its focus to cover only the first half of the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms novel, which I think resulted in a more detailed and immersive retelling. This shift not only revitalizes the storytelling but also justifies the “Origins” moniker.
One of the standout features of “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” is its approach to gameplay. While the core musou mechanics remain intact, charging headfirst into massive enemy forces and pulling off flashy combos, there’s a noticeable evolution in the combat system. The introduction of new mechanics, such as “Large Forces” battles and “Assault” abilities, keeps the action dynamic and engaging. These additions make each skirmish feel unique, preventing the monotony that can sometimes plague this genre. Coupled with tactical RPG elements, these innovations breathe new life into the gameplay loop and make me think strategically while still reveling in the chaotic fun. Customization is another area where “Origins” shines. The ability to tailor your nameless hero with different weapons and gear adds depth to the experience. Whether you’re experimenting with a swift dual-blade setup or wielding a massive halberd for devastating strikes, the variety ensures that every playthrough feels distinct. Additionally, you can team up with other generals, further diversifying your tactical options and encouraging experimentation. The thrill of discovering new weapon combinations and finding the playstyle that suits you best is one of the game’s biggest strengths.
Visually, the game is a significant leap forward for the series, and not just because it’s made for modern hardware. The sprawling landscapes of ancient China are rendered with breathtaking detail, immersing me in the grandeur of the Three Kingdoms. From lush forests to towering fortresses, the environments feel alive and richly textured. The sheer number of enemies on-screen at once is quite staggering, yet the performance remains smooth, even during the most chaotic battles. I was worried about huge frame rate dips with a game like this, but I was pleasantly surprised at the polish. It’s a testament to how far the series has come since its earlier iterations. What truly sets this game apart is its ability to strike a balance between innovation and tradition. While it introduces new mechanics and storytelling techniques, it never loses sight of what made the series beloved in the first place. The sense of empowerment that comes from single-handedly turning the tide of a battle is still as exhilarating as ever. At the same time, the added depth and replayability ensure that there’s plenty to keep both longtime fans and newcomers invested.
Of course, no game is without its flaws. The strategic elements, while refreshing, can sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to dedicated tactical RPGs. Also, I didn’t really love the voice acting and dialogue, though serviceable, occasionally dip into clichéd territory. Having said that though, I found the story here to be quite great even still. Those are minor quibbles aside in an otherwise stellar package. The heart of “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” lies in its action and storytelling, and in these areas, it excels. As the first mainline entry in seven years, “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” carries the weight of expectation, and it rises to the challenge. It’s a triumphant return that reinvigorates the franchise while paying homage to its roots. For someone like me, who hadn’t played a mainline installment in years, it’s a reminder of why I fell in love with the series in the first place. Whether you’re a veteran of the battlefield or a newcomer looking to dive into the epic saga of the Three Kingdoms, this game has something special to offer. It’s a must-play for fans of the musou genre and a shining example of how to blend nostalgia with innovation.
Base Game: 8.5/10
One year after the initial release, “Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Visions of Four Heroes” takes a fascinating detour from the main campaign, asking a simple but compelling question: what if some of the Three Kingdoms’ most infamous figures had actually fulfilled their ambitions? Centered on Zhang Jiao, Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao, and Lu Bu, this hefty DLC reframes each character through alternate-history storylines that feel far more reflective and emotionally grounded than I expected.
Each of the four routes offers its own perspective on unfulfilled dreams, with the Guardian of Peace stepping in as a guiding presence that reshapes their fates. It’s still unmistakably Origins, but the narrative focus gives these campaigns a weight that made me more invested than usual for a Musou expansion. Some of the design choices feel a little disconnected from the base game’s progression systems, yet the storytelling largely makes up for it.
On the battlefield, “Visions of Four Heroes” pushes the familiar 1-vs-1,000 formula even further. New weapon types like bows and rope darts add welcome variety, while fresh Battle Arts and companions meaningfully shake up combat without overcomplicating it. There are moments here that genuinely challenged me in ways “Origins” hadn’t for a while, which is a great feeling this late into the game.
That said, the thirty-five-dollar price tag is hard to ignore. While the four campaign routes are well-crafted, they’re also a bit shorter than I’d hoped, and that makes the value feel questionable despite the quality on display. Still, the highs are undeniable. This DLC succeeds both narratively and mechanically, expanding “Dynasty Warriors: Origins” in smart, engaging ways, even if its ambition slightly outpaces its length.
Visions of Four Heroes DLC: 8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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